Ground Operations Engineer, Network, User Terminals & Assurance, IRIS2

The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Ground Operations Engineer – IRIS2 is part of a team responsible for designing and documenting the ground segment architecture and operational processes essential to IRIS2’s multi-orbit (LEO/MEO) satellite service. With a holistic, end-to-end perspective, this role covers gateways, networking, and assurance operations. Rather than focusing on a single subsystem, you will coordinate across multiple domains—gateway infrastructure, terrestrial networks, and service assurance frameworks—to ensure robust, integrated ground operations for IRIS2.
Strong synchronisation with SES-internal departments, collaboration with consortium partners, and frequent exchanges with the institutional customer are of essence in the role. Agility in the production of internal and deliverable documentation is fundamental to achieve.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

5G Core Operations Engineering

• Contribute with the own domain of expertise to the development of operational plans for 5G Core Network, and supporting networking infrastructure, in close coordination with the Mission, Network, Gateway, and Service Operations, while ensuring alignment with IRIS2’s overarching requirements.
• Document architectural components, operations design decisions, CONOPS elements, and technical standards that form the basis of ground operations.

• Inspect and understand IRIS2 terrestrial network architectures and their interworking with the 5G architecture, interconnection points, terminal authentication and commissioning, resource management, and routing policies that link users’ terminals and core services.
• Collaborate with SES-internal stakeholders and Consortium partners to specify operability, quality, redundancy, and scalability requirements for end-to-end connectivity in LEO/MEO environments. Pursue efficiency through high degrees of automation.

Assurance Operations Integration

• Support the outlining of monitoring, fault detection, and incident management processes covering ground systems and service elements.
• Define, in cooperation with Service Operations and in alignment with the Service and Operations team, strategies for the deployment, the exploitation, and the management of the Test User Terminals, for Service Assurance, KPI measurement, and troubleshooting purposes.
• Collaborate to the identification of key performance indicators (KPIs) for ground infrastructure and their integration into the IRIS2 assurance model.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Engage with system engineering, service operations and ILS, and product teams to gather input, align design decisions, and consolidate documentation.
• Coordinate, through the right interfaces, with satellite engineering leads to validate ground infrastructure requirements against orbital and payload constraints.

Technical Standards & Compliance

• Support the production of specifications to ensure that gateways, networks, and associated ground systems adhere to relevant next-generation industry standards, security requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
• Propose best practices and guidelines that uphold reliable operations through high levels of automation, while supporting evolving IRIS2 service needs.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Monitor emerging technologies and industry trends in satellite gateways, terrestrial networking, and monitoring systems, recommending advancements to IRIS2’s ground segment approach.
• Conduct feasibility studies or proof-of-concept initiatives that inform the next steps in ground operations optimization.

Documentation 

• • Contribute to the production of comprehensive internal and deliverable documentation, along the guidelines provided by the customer, as interpreted and assigned by the workstream lead.

COMPETENCIES

• Systems-thinking mindset with the ability to understand end-to-end ground segment operations across gateways, networks, 5G Core, user terminals, and assurance systems.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex technical architectures, identify operational risks, and propose pragmatic solutions.
• Strong technical documentation skills, including the ability to translate complex engineering inputs into clear operational concepts, specifications, standards, and deliverables.
• Effective stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across internal teams, consortium partners, suppliers, and institutional customers.
• Ability to operate in a complex, multi-stakeholder programme environment with evolving requirements and high documentation demands.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality, security, reliability, and operational readiness.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to drive continuous improvement, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Good communication skills, including the ability to explain technical topics clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong alignment with workstream leads and cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced programme environment.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Network Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline; equivalent professional experience may also be considered.
• Relevant experience in satellite ground segment operations, telecommunications networks, 5G Core, secure networking, gateway operations, service assurance, or network/service operations engineering.
• Good understanding of satellite communications systems, preferably including multi-orbit LEO/MEO environments, gateway infrastructure, TT&C operations, user terminal operations, and terrestrial network integration.
• Experience in operation of the Secure Network and of the 5G Core Network
• Experience with service assurance, monitoring, fault management, incident management, KPI definition, troubleshooting processes, and operational performance reporting.
• Experience contributing to operational concepts, CONOPS, technical specifications, design documentation, standards, and customer deliverables.
• Experience in assurance systems for the whole ground segment
• Experience in the the operation of the Communication and TT&C Gateways
• Experience with automation, operational tooling, feasibility studies, or proof-of-concept initiatives would be beneficial.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken; additional European languages would be an advantage.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• Eligibility for ESA/EU SECRET personnel security clearances is essential. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such clearance
• Willing to work at least 60% onsite from office
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.